Online Application Portal

The Online Application Portal provides convenient 24-hour electronic access for residents and businesses who need to request permission for different types of projects in the city. The portal helps to streamline review approvals and provides tools and forms to help prepare for your project. Applicants can track their application status online, upload required documents, connect with City staff, and conveniently pay fees with a credit or debit card.

Access the Portal Here

Scroll down for steps to sign up and to learn more about what's on the portal. For more information, including guides and more detailed steps for how to apply for specific projects, use the Resources Section.

What's on the Portal?

Tools and Guides

Zoning Discovery
The Zoning and Application Discovery tool helps you identify a property's Zone District. The Zone District determines permitted land use types and their use-specific standards. The tool links you to a list of the uses allowed within Syracuse's base zoning districts. It will help you find out if a proposed project is permitted "by-right" or through a "Special Use Permit". Use this guide before you build or begin your next project in the city. Please note this tool is not an application and will not be reviewed.

Learn More About Zoning

If your proposed project is approved through zoning processes, you must work with the Central Permit Office to determine additional requirements based on the type of your project.

Meeting Registration Forms

Commercial Intake Project Registration (Required): Use this form to register your commercial project for review. Your project will be reviewed to decide whether you need an intake meeting. If an intake meeting is required, you must wait to submit permits until after the meeting takes place. Permits submitted before the required intake meeting will be denied.
Pre-Development Meeting Registration (Optional): Use this form to schedule a meeting with City staff to help with the planning process of your commercial project and before submitting documentation for review.

Learn More About Planning for Commercial Development

Permit Applications

Construction Permits:
Elevators, Commercial Antennas, Exterior Demolition, and Building and Site (Commercial and Residential Construction)

Trade Permits:
HVAC, Special HVAC, Electric, and Solar (Commercial and Residential Solar Panels)

Fire Prevention Permits:
Life and Safety Permits: Fire Alarm, Sprinkler, and Fuel Storage Tanks
Operational Permits: Tent, Indoor Vehicle Display, Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle, Propane, and Fraternity/Sorority Fire Safety Inspection, Fireworks and Pyrotechnic

Right-of-Way Permits:
Road Cut, Curb Cut, Liability Waiver, Loading Zone, Metered Parking, Oversized Vehicle, Overweight Vehicle, Encroachment, Sidewalk Construction, Sidewalk Café, and Small Cell

Event Permits:
Special Events, Neighborhood Block Party, Public Assemble and Parade, and Film

Learn More About Permits

Business License Applications

Certificate of Use

Entertainment / Event Licenses:
Amusement Device Location, Amusement Device Operator, Concert, One-Day Entertainment, Annual Entertainment, Juice Bar, Movie Theater, Open Air Cultural Event, and Professional Basketball / Hockey

Food / Vending / Retail Licenses:
Auctioneer, Food Vendor, Tobacco Retail, Peddler Non-Food, and Transient Retail Business

Junk / Secondhand Good Licenses:
Junk Collector Without a Yard, Junk Dealer, Secondhand Auto Dealer, and Secondhand Dealer

Distribution / Solicitation Licenses:
Bill and Sample Distribution, Bill Posting, Solicitor, and Solicitor Assistant

Transportation Licenses:
Booting on Private Property, Buses, Snow Plowing and Removal, and Towing Company

Learn More About Business Licenses

Periodic Inspection Applications

Rental Registry
Vacant Property Registry
Certificate of Compliance
Certificate of Inspection
Certificate of Adequacy

Learn More About Periodic Inspections

City-Owned Property Purchase Application

Learn More About Buying Property from the City

Zoning Applications

Site Plan Review (Major / Minor)
Special Use Permit
Resubdivision / Lot Alteration
Three-Mile Limits
Off-Premise Sign Permit
Project Plan Review
Temporary Use Permit
Certificate of Appropriateness
Demolition of Non-Landmarked Historic Properties
Local Protected Site and Preservation District
Variances (Area / Use)
Appeal of Administrative Decision

Learn More About Zoning

Steps to Apply

Step 1.Access Online Application Portal

Click here to access the portal

Step 2.Create Account

Use a valid email address and strong password.

Step 3.Sign In

Once your account is created, you can login using the email address and password you created.

Step 4.Begin Submission

To start a new application, click the "New Submission" button located at the top right corner of the page.

Step 5.Select Application

Search by name or select a category to find the application to be submitted. Use the information listed in the "What's on the Portal" section above to help identify what you are looking for.